Critical Theory in a Digital Age, CCU, ENGL 483 2017

The Ego and the Uncanny Double

According to Sigmund Freud, the uncanny double is any psychical being that resembles humans (9). The double can range from twins, dolls, cyborgs, etc. However, in the case of Flatliners, the uncanny double is being able to exist on earth as well as in the afterlife. During their experiment the medical students take turns being flat-lined so that they can get their own experience with what death is like. During their experiment, the person the is being flat-lined is on the operating table, and their soul is in the realm of the afterlife, so they exist in both dimensions. They also bring the dead back to life once their spirits come back into their bodies. Billy Mahoney, the kid that Nelson bullied to death, comes back to life to avenge his death. He beats up Nelson almost every time Nelson is alone. Nelson tries to explain what happens to him to the other students, but they do not believe him. No one else can see Billy Mahoney, only Nelson can. When Neslon fights with Billy it looks as if he is beating himself up. Billy Mahoney represents the uncanny double because he exists in the afterlife, and in real life. The same thing happens for Rachel when her dad co-exists in both the afterlife and the real world. 

Freud mentions (as stated by Otto Rank) that "the 'double' was originally an insurance against destruction to the ego, and 'energetic denial of the power of death'" (9). Nelson is the mastermind behind the experiment, and claims to experiment with death because religion and biology failed in that department. Nelson also wants to be well known as the person who found the key to death, and share what everyone will experience. Nelson also wants to see if he can find the answer to extending human is through death. 

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